Laurie Daley's Blues are in a tricky spot ahead of Origin III. After a disappointing performance in Melbourne, Daley must make some tough calls to give his team a fighting chance in Brisbane. While the series is far from over, the NSW coach needs to make some bold moves to turn things around. Here are my top five suggestions for Daley, each with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Starting Cameron Murray at Lock
In my opinion, Daley needs to shake things up and start Cameron Murray at lock. Murray has the energy and athleticism to make an impact from the get-go, and his quick play-the-balls could be a game-changer for the Blues' go-forward. Personally, I think Murray's presence at the start of the game would be a welcome change, and his ability to punch out 80 minutes would be a huge advantage. What's more, Murray has the footy smarts to combine well with the experienced front-rowers, Isaah Yeo and Payne Haas. This move would be a bold statement, and I believe it could be the key to unlocking the Blues' potential.
Bringing Back Api Koroisau
Another player I'd bring back into the fold is Api Koroisau. The experienced No. 9 has the deception, craftiness, and toughness that the Blues need out of dummy-half. In my view, Koroisau's presence would add a layer of depth and experience to the team, and his natural chemistry with Yeo and Cleary would be a huge bonus. What's more, the fact that Cameron Smith was hoping for Koroisau's early introduction during the second half highlights his importance. This move would be a smart one, and I believe it could make a real difference in the series.
Haumole Olakau'atu's Return
While there was a surprise in the selection of Dylan Lucas, I think it's time to bring back Haumole Olakau'atu. Olakau'atu may not have the same engine as Lucas, but he is comfortable on the right edge and has a physical presence that could be a game-changer. Personally, I think Olakau'atu's return would add a layer of intensity and aggression to the team, and his ability to play on the right edge would be a welcome change. What's more, Penrith's Liam Martin could be a dark horse option if Daley is not sold on Olakau'atu's endurance.
Bostock or Turbo? The Right Centre Dilemma
The right centre position is a tricky one, and I believe Daley has a tough decision to make between Kotoni Staggs and Jack Bostock. Staggs was solid in game one, but his performance at the MCG was not up to par. On the other hand, Bostock deserves his chance, and his aerial options with Mark Nawaqanitawase could be a game-changer. In my opinion, Bostock's height and leaping ability could be a real asset, but the lack of experience and traffic from Queensland would be a concern. This move would be a risky one, but it could pay off big time.
Latrell Mitchell's Return
Finally, I believe Latrell Mitchell's return is crucial for the Blues. While there are concerns about his fitness and running load, his intimidating presence and ability to draw attention when he gets the ball are invaluable. In my view, Mitchell's return would add a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the team, and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates would be a huge advantage. This move would be a bold statement, and I believe it could be the difference between winning and losing the series.
In conclusion, Laurie Daley has some tough decisions to make ahead of Origin III. While these suggestions are just a few of the many options available, I believe they could be the key to turning things around for the Blues. It's time for some bold moves, and I believe Daley has the talent and experience to make them work. The series is far from over, and I'm excited to see how these changes play out. From my perspective, the Blues have the potential to make a real statement in Brisbane, and I'm hopeful that these suggestions will help them get there.
